Tick Removal

When encountering ticks, the best way to remove them is with fine-tipped tweezers.
To properly remove a tick:Pull upwards, making sure not to use any other motion than a steady pull. Doing fast hand movements such as a jerk can cause the tick mouthparts to break off and remain in the wound.
The key is to BE PATIENT! The mouthpart has backwards facing barbs that make it harder to remove. If the mouthpart does stay in the wound when you remove the tick’s body, sterilize the area and do not worry - your skin will push it out as it heals, as with a splinter.
If you experience nonspecific flu-like symptoms with or without a fever after the tick bite, seek medical attention. There are ticks in New Jersey that can be infected with tick-borne pathogens. Preventing tick bites is essential to keeping you, your family, and your pets safe when enjoying the outdoors!